Facts & figures
Modern Languages
- #1 in NSW
- 2022 QS World University Rankings
Facts & figures
Since our inception in 1853, we have a long tradition of teaching and researching French and Francophone studies. We provide three pathways to a French and Francophone major: introductory, intermediate and advanced. We provide students with a deep understanding of the literature, culture and history of the French and Francophone worlds, while developing their fluency in French.
We are a vibrant community of scholars, teachers and students. Our academics have expertise in modern and contemporary literature, cinema, art, theory and translation.
Experience the rich history and cultural diversity of the official language of 29 countries (la Francophonie), spoken by more than 300 million people worldwide.
*Available in the shared pool of majors and minors
Our researchers focus on a wide range of research areas, including:
Learn more: Languages and cultures research
Our exchange programs provide life-changing experiences in France, Switzerland and Canada where students exercise their language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.
Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange
Enquiries:
We hold regular seminars and events that seek to engage with the French-speaking community at large, and to provide a platform for new and exciting research in French and Francophone studies.
See our school's calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.
15–17 February 2023, The University of Sydney
Call for papers – Closing 19 September 2022
We invite abstracts for a three-day interdisciplinary symposium devoted to cultural expressions of climate change across Oceania. Crucially, our symposium will act as a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing artistic voices, and facilitating new connections between French-speaking Oceania and other regions of the South Pacific.
Follow the Draft Facebook page for upcoming and past seminars.
We hold regular seminars with presenters from our department including research staff, students and associates, as well as other disciplines within the University of Sydney and external institutions from Australia and beyond.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, please contact our research events coordinator Dr Victoria Souliman (victoria.souliman@sydney.edu.au) or browse our event calendar for upcoming French Connections seminars.
The Sonia Marks Memorial fund was set up in 1985 to commemorate the life and achievements of Sonia Marks, whose untimely death deprived the University of a much-appreciated teacher and colleague. Each year the fund provides prizes for students from the introductory language stream and a memorial lecture on French and Francophone Studies.
2019: Teaching ‘French’ in Brexit Britain
2012: Learning from Teaching
Please check the SLC Events website for our next Sonia Marks Memorial Lecture.
Join our monthly workshop series facilitating discussion around the teaching and learning of French as a foreign language across the Australian university system.
Contact Dr Carolyn Stott (carolyn.stott@sydney.edu.au) for dates and further details.
Opportunities from the School of Languages and Cultures